Dr Matthew Lyons summarises the annual Birmingham Economic Review 2025, in collaboration with the Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the City Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) at the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The report launched on Thursday 4th of December at The … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2025”
Author: Matt Lyons
Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index
In September 2025, The Economist updated the Carrie Bradshaw Index, a playful yet insightful measure of housing affordability for solo renters across 100 U.S. cities. Named after the iconic character from Sex and the City, the index compares median incomes to the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment, essentially asking: where can you afford to … Continue reading “Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index”
Ozzy Osbourne’s £28 Million Parting Gift to the West Midlands
On the 22nd of July 2025 Birmingham lost one of its most iconic sons. Ozzy Osbourne, The Prince of Darkness and Godfather of heavy metal passed away at 76. But what he leaves behind is more than just the music, he leaves a lasting cultural and economic impact on his hometown and beyond. Ozzy was … Continue reading “Ozzy Osbourne’s £28 Million Parting Gift to the West Midlands”
The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years
Dr Matt Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma investigate the impact that Trump’s tariffs will have on the UK’s automotive industry. The US has proposed tariffs of 25% on car imports. This blog aims to answer the following questions: What will this cost the UK, and where will it hit hardest? TLDR: The proposed tariffs are … Continue reading “The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years”
When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?
New car purchases have fallen since their peak in 2016 and driving licenses are falling amongst the young. In this blog, Matt Lyons, Kurt Kratena and Sara Hassan consider the question when will the UK reach peak car? View our policy briefing – Preparing the region for ‘peak car’ People are driving less Figures from … Continue reading “When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?”
AI – Risks and opportunities for the West Midlands?
This year’s Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. … Continue reading “AI – Risks and opportunities for the West Midlands?”
Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI and WMREDI. In the first blog from this series, we look at SEIM-UK, an economic model that City-REDI has used to assess the economic impact of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the impact of Council tax cuts, and help … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)”
Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?
There is increasing concern about the financial viability of some local authorities with estimates by the LGA suggesting that councils in England are facing a funding gap of £4 billion. In 2023 Birmingham City Council (BCC) was served a section 114 notice. This means that effectively the council ran out of money. In short, BCC … Continue reading “Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?”
Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?
The UK has the highest rates of homelessness in the developed world, with a significant increase over the past 14 years, particularly in the West Midlands. Alongside the physical, emotional and psychological impact it has on the individual, homelessness creates a substantial financial burden on local authorities, with Birmingham having the highest temporary accommodation expenses … Continue reading “Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?”
Megatrends in the Midlands 2023
Megatrends are an issue that City-REDI has written about previously. We have a fantastic podcast series which is well worth a listen to and a 2021 report focussing on the West Midlands. This latest blog is written to coincide with a new report produced by City-REDI in collaboration with the Midlands Engine looking at Megatrends … Continue reading “Megatrends in the Midlands 2023”